On July 26, 1989, a Beech 65-90 (registration N195DP) operated by Central Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Springdale, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft landed with its landing gear retracted. Subsequent testing revealed a non-standard and inoperative warning horn. Witnesses reported observing amber gear-up lights before touchdown.
Incident Overview
An aircraft landed with its landing gear in the retracted position. Following the landing, during the recovery process, the aircraft was raised and the gear selector was moved to the extend position. The landing gear then extended normally. This procedure was repeated several times with consistent results.
Gear System Examination
Upon arrival at the scene, investigators observed that the gear unsafe lights were illuminated. Witnesses who were aboard the aircraft reported that they saw amber (gear up) lights just prior to impact with the runway.
Warning Horn Inspection
The landing gear warning horn was tested and found to be inoperative. Further inspection revealed that the installed warning horn was not the type specified in the Beech parts manual.
Findings
The landing gear system functioned normally when the gear selector was placed in the extend position after the aircraft was raised.
The gear unsafe lights were illuminated at the scene.
Witnesses confirmed the presence of amber gear-up lights before landing.
The warning horn was inoperative and did not match the manufacturer's specifications.